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SIB 12 06 26
DELIVERY STOP: VARIABLE VALVE TIMING
2026-06-10
This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B12 06 26 dated May 2026.
What’s New:

Situation updated
Cause added
Procedure added
Claim Information added

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THIS REPAIR IS MOBILE FRIENDLY

MODEL
E-Series
F95
F96

Model Description
X5 M Sports Activity Vehicle
X6 M Sports Activity Vehicle

Production Date
March 13, 2023 – May 7, 2026
March 9, 2023 – May 7, 2026

SITUATION
In these vehicles with an S68 engine, an incorrect diagnosis of the Valvetronic (VVT) may occur. Under
certain operating conditions, the software may detect a short-circuit in the valve control system even though
there is no fault.
When the above-mentioned fault occurs, the red Check Control warning light ‘Drive system fault’ illuminates.
This can result in the intake valves closing gradually, which may lead to misfires while the engine is running.

CAUSE
Unfavorable software.

PROCEDURE
It must be checked whether the customer has already downloaded the required software in the vehicle via
Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) but has not yet installed it. In this case, programming must be carried out
via RSU as described under Note A. A detailed description of the procedure can be found in the dealer
portal (COMPASS article 80383).
Note:
A. Check whether programming via RSU is possible
The processing of the technical campaign must be carried out via RSU if the installation request for RSU
is available in the vehicle.
The availability of the installation request can be checked either via ConnectedDrive Dealer Cockpit or
Aftersales Workplace (AWP), as well as in the vehicle.

1. If the RSU software version to be installed is 03/2026.68 or higher, start the RSU installation in the
vehicle and follow the instructions on the central information display. If the software version to be installed is
lower, then proceed with point B Programming via ISTA.
2. After approx. 30 minutes, check in the vehicle whether the RSU installation has been carried out
successfully and at least RSU SW version 03/2026.68 has been installed.
3. If the programming has been carried out successfully, the vehicle can be returned to the customer.

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B. Programming via ISTA

Connect the battery charger to the vehicle
Connect the programming system to the vehicle (ISTA 4)
Determine the measures plan
Accept or work through the entire measures plan with the control units to be programmed/encoded
and, if necessary, activated
Follow the rework list
Depending on the rework list, carry out a vehicle test and delete the fault memory, if required

Note:
Please check the rework list accordingly!
ISTA 4.59.4x with installed service data package is required for the programming/encoding.
The fault elimination is included from the following I-level versions:
I-level S18A-26-03-568 or later (available from ISTA 4.59.4x, expected publication from June 10,
2026 onwards)
The programming must be carried out using the I-levels given above or a later one!
Please observe the information regarding programming in the workshop system and the corresponding
notices in the user documentation.
Important Note: A parts replacement does not provide a remedy and is therefore not permitted.

CLAIM INFORMATION
During this workshop visit, the affected vehicle may also show one or more programming and encoding Technical Campaign
repairs open. The programming and encoding procedure may only be invoiced one time.
Select this open Technical Campaign to perform and submit for updating the vehicle to the required I-level or higher
instead when applicable (this includes 00 00 006 or 00 00 556, and 61 00 730).
Please be sure to also perform any additional before and/or after work (including attaching labels) as required by
the open campaigns on the vehicle. Close any remaining programming and encoding Campaign repairs as outlined
in the corresponding Service Information Bulletin.

Reimbursement for this Action will be via normal claim entry, as determined by the above, by selecting and
submitting for the work package information below that applies.

Plusposition (+)

Main work

Completion before the first vehicle delivery to a customer (New in-stock/No inservice date), or the vehicle is already in the workshop for another reason
and/or repair, identified by the “(Plusposition)” reference in the descriptions
below.
The vehicle arrives for this Action, no other Main work will be
performed/claimed during this workshop visit, identified by the “(Main work)”
reference in the descriptions below.

Below are the special flat rate labor operation code choices for this action.
Repair Code:

0012810600

F95 F96 S68T Programming control units (DME
database version)

Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) Status is Ready to be Installed.

Work Package

Labor Operation Description

#1

00 79 836

Remote Software Upgrade performed
(RSU status: Ready to be installed)
(Plusposition)

Labor Allowance
2 FRU

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Or:
#2

00 79 259

Remote Software Upgrade performed
(RSU status: Ready to be installed)
(Main work)

3 FRU

Or:
Vehicle Programming and Encoding with ISTA

Work Package
#3

Labor Operation Description

Labor Allowance

00 79 835

Programming and encoding the vehicle
control units, includes Carrying out
vehicle test (00 00 556/61 21 528)
(Plusposition)

00 79 258

Programming and encoding the vehicle
control units, includes Carrying out
9 FRU
vehicle test (00 00 006/61 21 528) (Main
work)

7 FRU

Or:

#4

Or the:
Vehicle is already at the Specified Target Integration Level or Higher
Work Package

#5

Labor Operation Description

Labor Allowance

00 79 837

Either in conjunction with another
campaign/repair prior to or during
this workshop visit (the RSU is
excluded), the vehicle is already at the 1 FRU
specified Target integration level or
higher, no repair is necessary
(Plusposition)

00 79 260

Either in conjunction with another
campaign/repair prior to or during
this workshop visit (the RSU is
excluded), the vehicle is already at the 1 FRU
specified Target integration level or
higher, no repair is necessary (Main
work)

Or:

#6

Only one of the flat rate labor operation codes listed above can be used for claim submission/reimbursement purposes. Also,
only one Main work flat rate labor operation code can be claimed per workshop visit.

Claim Repair Comments
Reference the SIB number, the issue (briefly), and the work package (WP) number performed in the technician’s RO notes,
and in the claim comments (For example: B12 06 26 Valvetronic SW Update WP 1), unless otherwise required by State law.
Programming and Encoding – Additional Work (RO and Claim Comments Required)

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This procedure automatically reprograms and encodes any vehicle control modules that do not have the latest software Ilevel.

If one or more control modules fail during the reprogramming procedure, claim the required consequential
repair work procedures to address this issue (including performing the IRAP Control Unit Recovery first as
required, refer to the SIB in AIR) under the Repair Code in this bulletin together with the corresponding labor
operation codes and their flat rate unit (FRU) allowance(s), including the diagnosis* that applies.
Please explain the additional work procedures that were performed (The why and the what) on the repair order and in the
claim comments.

For covered repairs that address preexisting control module failures that occurred prior to performing this
repair-related programming and encoding procedure, claim this work with the Repair Code listed in AIR
together with the corresponding labor operation codes and their flat rate unit (FRU) allowance(s), including
the diagnosis* that applies.
(*) Based on which one applies to your center, please refer to SI B01 01 20 or B01 07 20 for the applicable procedure for
documenting, claiming, and explaining, on the RO and in the claim comments, your diagnosis work time (WT), job/repair
work time (WT), and the vehicle repairs your center performed, unless otherwise required by State law.

FEEDBACK REGARDING THIS BULLETIN
Technical Feedback
Warranty Feedback
Parts Feedback

To submit feedback for the technical topic of this bulletin: Submit your
feedback in the rating box at the top of this bulletin
To submit feedback for the CLAIMS section of this bulletin: Submit an IDS
ticket to the Warranty Department, or use the chat available in the
Warranty Documentation Portal
To submit feedback for the PARTS section of this bulletin: Submit an IDS
ticket to the Parts Department

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